Skater trainers are a frequent topic of debate among skateboarders, especially for beginners who are trying to figure out the best way to learn. Some swear by them, while others dismiss them as a marketing gimmick. The core question isn’t whether they work, but rather, why are you trying to skip the foundational elements of skateboarding? Jumping into tricks before you can ride properly can actually hinder your progress. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using skater trainers and whether they’re a worthwhile investment.
The Stationary vs. Moving Debate
The discussion surrounding skater trainers often boils down to whether it’s better to learn tricks while stationary or while moving. This is where opinions really start to diverge. Some skaters find stationary practice helpful for understanding the motions involved in a trick, while others argue it creates bad habits.
Many beginners are eager to learn advanced tricks like ollies and kickflips without first mastering the basics of riding and balancing. This approach can often lead to injury and frustration. It is crucial to first become comfortable with pushing, carving, and understanding how the board behaves under your feet before attempting complex maneuvers. Rushing the learning process can lead to abandoning the sport prematurely. Learning the fundamentals will not only make it easier to progress, but also help prevent injuries.
Pros and Cons of Stationary Practice
Practicing tricks while stationary has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It can be a good way to get a feel for the movement involved and break down the steps of the trick. This can be especially useful when first learning a new trick. The stability allows you to focus on the specific foot and body positions without the added complexity of moving.
However, there are also some downsides to stationary practice. It doesn’t fully translate to performing tricks while moving. When you are stationary, you are less able to make the small corrections necessary for smooth landings. Falling while stationary can also sometimes lead to worse injuries because you don’t have the momentum to roll out of a fall properly. There is more control when you are moving, leading to better balance and a higher success rate.
Learning tricks while moving is often seen as more effective. It helps to develop the balance, board control and coordination needed to perform tricks in real-world scenarios. When you land a trick in motion, you have better balance, more time to react, and can utilize momentum to roll away safely when you fall. You also learn how to control your board at different speeds, which is crucial when progressing to more advanced tricks.
Why You Should Avoid Skater Trainers
In my opinion, skater trainers aren’t a great tool for serious skateboarding progression. They address a symptom of a bigger issue: the desire to progress too quickly. Rather than focusing on tricks right away, new skaters should prioritize getting comfortable with their board and learning to ride well. Skater trainers can actually slow down your progress by giving you a false sense of security and preventing you from developing real board control.
They will not help you to learn tricks any faster; in fact, they can impede your progress because you are not building the fundamental skills you need for success. While it is true that they could assist with manuals, they are only helpful if you practice those while moving. Tricks often require subtle adjustments that skater trainers don’t allow you to develop. Instead of investing in them, you would be better off spending your money on better wheels or bearings to improve your overall riding experience.
When Skater Trainers Might Be Useful
There are a few scenarios where skater trainers can be useful. They can be helpful for complete beginners who are truly afraid of stepping on a board for the first time. They give you a chance to become comfortable with the feel of standing on a skateboard without the fear of it rolling away. They can also help with practicing balancing on the tail or nose of your board. However, even in these cases, it is important to remember that they are a very short-term solution.
Skater trainers can prevent the board from moving, which can be good for getting comfortable with the feeling of rocking your board. If you decide to use them, make sure you only use them as a tool to build confidence and that you don’t become overly reliant on them. Once you are comfortable with your board, it’s essential to move on to practicing without the trainers. If you are scared of standing on the board, go for it, just know there are free options out there. Anything that stops your board from moving can be used as a skater trainer. Even a patch of grass will do the same.
Skater trainers on a skateboard
Do not take them to the skate park or people might make fun of you. Practice in a place where no one will see you.
Close-up of skater trainers
Conclusion: Focus on the Fundamentals
Skater trainers can be useful for complete beginners to overcome the initial fear of standing on a skateboard. They can help you get comfortable with the board and prevent it from rolling. However, they should be used as a stepping stone, not as a long-term training tool. As soon as you feel more confident, you should get rid of them. The most important thing to focus on is getting comfortable riding a skateboard.
Learn how to push, carve, ride fakie, and cruise around. Then, practice some basic tricks, such as manuals and shove-its. There are many impressive tricks that don’t require kickflips or ollies. Mastering the basics is essential for any skateboarder looking to progress and prevent injuries. The key to becoming a good skateboarder is to dedicate your time to learning the fundamentals. That is where your true progression will come from.
